Currently Viewing: Technology and Computing

Whether it is the invention of a pair of scissors, the Archimedes Screw, or a computer, technology upgrades the lifestyle of the people who use it. Early humans used stone tools 2.5 million years ago to hunt and cut food. Today, the most evident sign that technology has changed the world is the Internet. The ability to access news and information and communicate with people all over the world is in the hands of millions and will spread to millions more in the next five years.

The healthcare industry has advanced to the point that diseases are being diagnosed earlier allowing for cures that were not thought possible just a decade ago. Patient data is stored securely while giving doctors easy access and symptoms are automatically compared to the latest treatments and medications. Healthcare services provide faster and more efficient help in hospitals and clinics with the latest equipment allowing physicians to make more efficient use of their valuable time. People have smartphones such as the electric blue galaxy s5 that have mobile phone features for tracking heart rate and hours of exercise as well as for computing caloric intake.

Children take to computers and all that goes with them like the proverbial duck to water. How can we expect them to stare at a black and white page and get attracted to any academic subject? There are huge advancements in the classroom such as video and online games that teach concepts in physics as well as games that teach political, social and religious systems. Some games teach problem solving, conflict resolution and community building. A good teacher can guide his or her students to make good use of educational software and the electronic games that children play anyway.

The office was once in line for going paperless, but today it is light-years ahead of that. There are mobile apps that allow business managers and owners to lead a company. Right from the palm of your hand you can manage employees, oversee projects, watch budgets, prioritize emails, electronically sign documents and market on social media to name a few of the possibilities.

The latest tools in the manufacturing industry magnify the effort of individual workers and allow them to turn raw materials into affordable, quality products that today’s society expects. From, your smartphone to an MRI scanner and from your car to your baby’s pacifier, the latest technology has contributed to faster and better manufacturing. It contributes to efficient transportation, innovative medical procedures, space exploration and the food you eat.

Today, you can control the temperature inside your house with your smartphone. You can set up a security system that will show you who is knocking at your front door while you are across the country, and you can heat your water with sunlight. These are just a few of the latest devices available, but your home has been high-tech for years with a dishwasher, hot water heater, indirect lighting, coffee maker and home-made bread machine to name a few.

Technological up-grades improved human life long before the invention of the wheel sometime around 4,000 BC. This is one thing that makes humans so special. In the field of electronics alone, advancements create obsolescence in a matter of months.

The emerging trends in technology cover all aspects of human existence. Innovations developed on a daily basis improve the quality of our lives by simplifying tasks, providing greater efficiency and saving money in the long run. The technologies being researched, or in current use, in medicine are particularly amazing. While once only the vision of science fiction writers, devices now manufactured for healthcare offer a staggering array of options that benefit patient and physician.

1. MelaFind Optical Scanner

Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, which is why physicians often perform biopsies on questionable-looking moles. However, often times patients undergo unnecessary invasive surgical procedures only to learn that a mole was essentially harmless. The MelaFind scanner provides dermatologists with additional data for determining whether a lesion requires further investigation. The scanner has the ability to eliminate concerns, save patients from procedures and reduce medical expenses. Created by MELA Sciences in Irvington, NY, the unit contains rfid techology initially only provided to the Department of Defense. The device scans the surface of a questionable lesion then compares the retrieved signals to a registry log having 10,000 digital images of melanoma and other skin diseases. The data provides physicians with more instructional information in order to determine whether to proceed or omit further treatment.

2. Migraine Headache Implant

Millions suffer the chronic and excruciating pain associated with cluster, migraine or similar types of headaches, necessitating daily prescription medications or visits to the E.R. Researchers learned that many of these maladies are connected with irritation of a facial nerve bundle called the sphenopalatine ganglion or SPG. Autonomic Technol, Inc., in Redwood City, CA, is in the process of performing clinical trials on a special electronic unit designed to interfere with pain signals. Surgeons implant a small nerve stimulating device into a patient, on the side typically affected by the headaches, and in contact with the SPG bundle. When an individual experiences the onset of discomfort, they hold a small remote to the cheek near the implant. The device emits a signal that inhibits the nerve bundle from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
3. Transdermal Biosensors

The evolution of medical assistive devices includes making the lives of Diabetes patients a little less painful. Traditionally, patients diagnosed with insulin-dependent forms of the disorder require a prescribed number of invasive blood tests throughout the day, which help determine the correct dosage of insulin injections. Echo Therapeutics in Philadelphia, PA, has developed techology that replaces the need for acquiring a drop of blood with a skin patch. Comparable in size to an electronic toothbrush, the unit removes topical skin cells from a small area, allowing the biosensor access to emit and receive an electronic signal from the blood. The unit then transmits the information to a monitor that initiates an audible alarm if blood sugars are out of a targeted range. The device also maintains a log to monitor glucose levels.
4. Remote Presence Robots

Many believe that telemedicine is the wave of the future. In addition to connecting patients with healthcare providers, the technology also enables communication between clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities with rural and underserved regions of the country in attempts at providing a higher quality of care. InTouch Health and iRobot Corp. have created the FDA approved RP-VITA robot, which performs a number of vital tasks that eliminate the need for human intervention. Equipped with a two-way video screen, medical monitoring equipment and special programming, the robots navigate through hospitals while making routine rounds, coordinate the efforts of the healthcare team and provide instructional information when needed prior to discharge. Upon entering a patient’s room, the unit uses rfid technology to appropriately identify occupants, allows multiple physicians to check on patients, retrieves information and transmits the data to necessary locations. In an emergency situation, robots also have the capability of being used as a means of contacting a family member.

5. Sapien Transcatheter Aortic Valve

For some patients, a new heart valve becomes essential. However, in a debilitated state, open-heart surgery may prove too stressful. The Sapien Transcatheter Aortic Valve was developed as one of the types of alternatives to conventional surgeries. Edwards Life Sciences in Irvine, CA, manufactures the technol that is now being implemented in heart centers across the country for frail patients. Unlike traditional heart surgery, cardiothoracic surgeons insert the device using catheterization through a main artery. Attaching the bovine derived valve to a stainless-steel stent, surgeons advance the valve through the artery until reaching the appropriate position. Once in place, a balloon inflates, expanding the device, which anchors to the chamber walls and functions like a normal valve. The special Sapien procedures also reduce patients cost and encourage quicker recovery.

Summary:

The evolution of medicine, in terms of technology in the 21st century, serves to provide better care for patients while enabling healthcare professionals to perform intricate tasks with the use of assistive devices. The continued advances in modern medicine provide treatments and therapies that offer a higher degree of problem solving and achieve better results.

Tremendous amounts of money are spent on information technology each year. New capabilities and products arise every day. Predicting technology trends is an important part of the decision making process for businesses and investors. This is no easy task since much of the market relies on consumer needs and preferences. Businesses often lag behind in adapting new technologies. ask ira The driving force is often the necessity to effectively serve customers in their market. This requires organizations to adapt the same communication methods as their customers and trading partners. Businesses are finding that their future relies on incorporating technologies such as mobile networks, social media and cloud as well as a proliferation of applications and devices to manage data. multiple domain name search The ability to predict trends in technological advancements can better help prepare for shifts in the computing environment.

Recent Developments that Show Trends in Information Management

Some of the more recent trends that have emerged involve changes to the delivery platform. One of the most highly praised is cloud computing. The term refers to accessing and storing information or programs at a location over the internet rather than on a hard drive or local server. This feature is increasingly being used in intelligent data management. Cloud is still in its early stages but delivers numerous services. One common service offered is Software as a Service (SaaS) which delivers a single application across the internet to multiple clients. It allows the clients to use the application with no upfront investment or software license. Other services offered include storage and virtual servers that IT professionals can access on demand. Managed service providers that offer security monitoring and desktop management were among the first cloud services and their capabilities continue to grow.

Social media is another rapidly evolving platform. In addition to the most widely used social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, newcomers such as Pinterest and Instagram are gaining momentum. Niche platforms such as Untapped, Gentlemint and Third Age target a specific audience. Social media offers users a way to communicate and collaborate through text, graphics and video files. Users can incorporate media from other sites such as YouTube and SlideShare. Many of these networks offer an increasing number of applications and capabilities to enhance the user experience. Businesses have found social media to be an important part of marketing and branding. It allows them to interact with customers, introduce new products and get customer feedback. Paid advertising platforms are available through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The continued development of more sophisticated technologies allows businesses to better target their customers for increased ROI. The increasing capabilities and use of smart phones and tablets contribute greatly to the expansion of these networks.

Innovative Wearable and Smart Phone Augmented Reality Devices

Recent trends in information technology suggest that many technologies underway will be enhancements to already existing software or devices. One that is getting a lot of attention is augmented reality. Augmented reality combines computer generated input such as video, graphics or sound to enhance what is perceived through the senses. Google Glass was one of the first devices to feature the application. Google Glass is a wearable device that produces a display from a camera equipped with a processor that continuously scans the environment. Augmented reality is now being implemented in smart phones through the use of their cameras and GPS.

New Smart Phone Technologies: Bendable Screens and Holograms

Smart phones are undergoing rapid advancements. New quad core 1.4 GHz processors introduced for smart phones are producing capabilities thought impossible a few months before. OBJ 3D graphics files are currently being used to produce 3D screens. The capability to use OBJ applications to produce holograms is currently under development. Flexible screens that can be folded and unfolded as well as curved screens are also underway. LG has recently introduced a 4K capable processor that allows movies and games to be streamed from the phone to a television. The ability to record in surround sound has been produced in prototype phones.

New Tools for Real Time Information Management

Big data is another area expected to undergo significant advancements. An overwhelming amount of information is being produced by machines and sensors, yet surprisingly little of it is used. A number of tools are being introduced to help log and manage large volumes of information. New systems are being developed to assist in processing data quickly to enable critical decisions to be made. Cloud computing is expected to play a significant role in big data management.

Natural User Interfaces and Machines that Learn

Users can also expect to find more “human” interactions with the arrival of Natural User Interface (NUI). This includes not only tonal speech patterns, gestures and touch but the ability to understand what the user is doing, needs or wants. More intelligent systems are being developed with advanced machine learning capabilities. They have the ability to absorb large amounts of information and acquire knowledge from it.

Rapid Development in Smart Phone Technologies Continue

Mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets are widely used. They offer an ever growing number of resources including photo, audio and video capabilities as well as a plethora of productivity applications. As a business tool they offer a host of useful features such as scheduling, reminders and the ability to log activity. A number of innovative operating systems are available including iOS, Android and Blackberry. They can deliver real time news, weather and travel information and provide simple to use push button communication. App stores allow users to instantly download applications such as wallpaper, music and games. OBJ format files have provided smart phone applications with 3D animation and video games. Their immense number of applications and capabilities have attributed to their popularity for managing finances, travel and entertainment.

Summary

Trends in technological advancements suggest that over the next couple of years we’ll see a number of new capabilities including new tools for information management, natural user interfaces, machines that learn and new augmented reality devices. Several smart phone technologies are also under development such as flexible screens, holograms and 4K capabilities that allow streaming from smart phone to televisions.

From the great space race of the ’60s to the invention of the Kia K900, humans have come a long way since the cave-dwelling days of their ancestors. Technology is the reason why. It’s in cars and trains, computers and refrigerators; it gives the world electricity in the dark and entertainment during boredom. It saves lives. It saves time. It’s constant, and it’s everywhere.

But what about the actual, tangible benefits technology has had on modern society? What results can you point to when making a list of positives and negatives? If you’re ready to be awed by machines, here are just seven ways that tech has left the world a little better than how it found it.

1: Effective Transportation

Cars have become so ubiquitous in the world that many individuals can’t even imagine life without them. They aren’t the only transportation to have changed the human environment, however. Anything with wheels or wings would’ve seemed like science fiction to early civilizations, and the prospect of simply climbing into something with an engine and being able to travel anywhere in the world? That would’ve been absolutely unthinkable.

2: Fast, Far-Flung Communication

It should come as no surprise that technology has vastly improved both the method and speed of communication all around the world. In the days of quills and scrolls, you sent off a letter and hoped for the best; in 2014, you can text, tweet, tumble, call, email, fax and “poke” if you have information that needs attention. What’s more, handheld tech ensures that you can do it all without even leaving the couch! This kind of convenience and open-access communication has allowed everyone in the world can connect, correspond and collaborate on a global scale.

3: Better Goods and Services

It’s an understood psychological truth that people behave better when they know they’re being watched. In an age where every customer has a mobile phone camera, businesses are under this scrutiny 24/7, and they’re forced to stay on their toes to keep their doors open and their lights running. If customers are treated rudely, they can log onto sites like Yelp and leave negative reviews. down detector . If they find dirty, objectionable conditions, they can take video and launch a viral exposé within a matter of minutes. Businesses that want to succeed in the 21st century must keep a constant eye on consumer satisfaction, and in turn, this means better products, improved services and enriched business-to-customer relations.

4: Streamlined Systems

Think about the last time you had to wait more than ten minutes for a cup of coffee. How frustrated did the experience leave you? Now imagine what it must have been like to live in the 1900s when all coffee beans had to be harvested and roasted by hand. Machines have made all the difference in how we perceive time and efficiency, especially in high-tech industries where streaming data is the norm and the Internet is the foundation of business. The automation of processing allows everyone to sit back and let machines do all the work. It’s a wonder to behold, though some people say it’s still worth teaching yourself how to make your own coffee.

5: Meaningful Exchanges

The world opened up with the rise of IT. Not only can people simply log onto their mobile phones to speak with friends from New York to New Zealand, but the quality of their dialogue has improved as well. The more you interact with someone, the more you understand them, and the more cultural barriers cease to exist. Positive, meaningful communication is shared. The U.S. government has already sent shuttles into space with greetings to other life forms who may be out there. Who knows? One day machines may teach humanity to speak to aliens.

6: Longer Lives

The average life expectantly has climbed by 50 years since the 1700s. Advancements in medical tech are mostly to thank for this, though you can also point to everything from better schools to improved agricultural systems. People are smarter now, capable of dreaming, building and creating complex machines, and their gadgets and gizmos have played a pivotal role in how they interact with the world around them. Men in 1790 were grateful to live until their forties. Men who only live to their forties today are considered tragic.

7: Improved Media

Satellite systems revolutionized the way people share information. For the first time, citizens could see and hear global events for themselves; all you have to do is look at the Kennedy and Nixon debate to see how that changed the future. The consequences go beyond politics, however, and also affect science, business, finance, schools, computers and the environment. No industry has been untouched or unshaped by the media. They may cope with its presence in different ways, but it has still become a part of how they operate.

These are just seven positive benefits that technology has had on modern society. There are many more, but it’s a long, exhaustive and ever-growing list, and by the time you catalouged them all, someone probably would’ve invented a new gadget that rendered everything on the list moot. Such is the power of innovation in the 21st century.

Summary:

Think you understand the positive impact of machines and computers on modern society? Technology has changed the world in millions of ways, but some benefits are more obvious and more meaningful than others. Between longer lives, better communication and convenient automated systems, you wouldn’t believe some of the far-reaching consequences of your mobile phone.

Applying a tool or idea to generate a result is the concept of technology. Although today’s technology often refers to electronics, applying basic science to everyday problems occurred as far back as the Stone Age. There are literally dozens of important milestones in rising technology, but some of the most recent inventions have made the most impact.
The Wheel

As evolution slowly developed human beings, they began basic engineering projects just to survive. They required an item to help them move themselves and objects around. The invention of the wheel provided people with an instant transport option. This era even brought about more intricate hand tools to both complement and fix this tech advancement. Using logic, humans found a simple way to haul items, creating one of the first forms of technology. Without the wheel, many buildings couldn’t be built and spreading populations may have never taken place. The wheel was one of the major milestones because of its simplicity and application in the everyday world.

Assembly Lines

The age of the combustible engine began in the late 1800s and into the 1900s. With Henry Ford’s tech marvel, called the Model T, almost anyone could take to the road and travel. Engineering the car wasn’t a simple undertaking and constructing them took time. With more people demanding vehicles, Henry Ford created an evolution all his own with the assembly line. One person or group constructed a piece of the car and passed it on to another group. By piecing out the work, the cars were formed faster than ever. The assembly line began an art form, heralding in the age of mass production that continues today.

Computers

Computers have been around for several decades, but were only common in business or government facilities. In fact, the first computers took up entire rooms with barely any computing power. They were mainly used to log data for science or government needs, making them impractical for the everyday person. However, the 1980s and 1990s saw a stark change in technology size. Computers invaded homes with ample computing power to log personal spreadsheets or just to play games. The computer era erupted into an even larger entity with microchip logic controllers growing smaller and more powerful. Computing that took up a whole room could now fit in your palm.
The Internet

With computers becoming standards in homes, the Internet became the next big milestone. Essentially, the Internet is a set of computers linked across the world for anyone to access. From art history to researching the Stone Age, the Internet is one of the most critical communication and information devices in human history. People are able to learn about true historical accounts or order a new pair of sneakers. This technology continues to evolve today.
Solar Power

Oil derived from fossil fuels has been used for ages, but environmental concerns had been brewing for years. A major milestone in technology use is solar power. Using fixed panels on roofs, for example, everyday homeowners harness their own sunlight energy to create electricity. Solar applications are countless, giving rise to other sustainable fuel sources, such as wind power. By using renewable resources, society and technology can continue to evolve.

GPS

Global Positioning Systems were originally constructed for government and war application use. As technology grew smaller and faster, manufacturers saw a niche in the consumer market. GPS has become a standard item in cars and phones, for example. Hikers bring their GPS unit on adventures to keep real-time information about location and elevation. This milestone gives people a fast and accurate way to find a location, obsoleting paper maps in the process.
The Search Engine

As the Internet grew in size, people discovered that finding information was difficult. Savvy computer scientists came up with the search engine. Using keywords and phrases, all Web pages were categorized and listed for the user as they typed in a search word. This milestone heralded in the era of strategic website text, called SEO Search Engine Optimization, as businesses competed for exposure. Marketing and advertising would never be the same.

Handheld Devices

Smartphones and tablets were not even considered in the late 1990s, but today’s milestone has changed how people communicate on a daily basis. Handheld devices hold the Internet in the palm of your hand. Information about any subject is always a tap away. question to ask Instead of starting a conversation while waiting in a line, people are accessing apps, games and websites to pass the time.
Social Media

The current milestone affecting society today is social media. From Twitter to Facebook, these socializing entities are more powerful than traditional war or wind power. People talk, comment, question and even advertise through social media outlets. They are important for both personal and business use, fusing the two realms that used to be entirely separate. With the ease of apps on a smartphone or tablet, social media travels with you at all times.

Society’s milestones vary from simple inventions to life-altering technology. Evolution will continue to improve life while hopefully preserving the surrounding world.

Summary:

Major milestones in the rise of technology go back to prehistoric times when people first formed the wheel. As society has grown and spread, technologies to connect people abound, from the Internet to handheld devices. Inventions continue to improve everyday life, typically building on a previous idea. As milestones keep occurring, people will find new ways to live and thrive with sustainable resources.